We have so much to be thankful for this season. I usually focus on home and family on this site and try to be a creative and inspiring outlet, even in the midst of crisis. But, it’s hard to ignore the international humanitarian issues going that’s feeling closer and closer to home for all of us, I know. So we wanted to share some ways we, you, I can help so we don’t feel so helpless and hopeless. It only seems fitting for a holiday season we’re in full of thankfulness, gifting, faith, and love to focus on others. My team did a little research and found seven different organizations that we’d recommend if you feel like you’re able to donate a little something this holiday season…
Most of our research was done through Charity Watch and focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Syria and the Middle East (although there are plenty of other issues to support). We included some of their mission statements and directions as well.
The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. “At work in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.”
A child sponsorship program focusing on Syrian children. “Syria continues to be one of the toughest places in the world to be a child. If we are to save Syria’s children, we must help Syria – provide nutritious food for Syrian kids, support education in Syrian refugee camps and much more. Donate to Syrian refugees children’s relief. This is not charity for Syria, it is an investment in a peaceful future for all of our children.”
CARE is working to help Syrians meet their most urgent needs and protect their dignity. “We are on the ground in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen and Syria, collaborating with partners and helping people displaced by the conflict and the communities hosting them.”
“UNICEF has been on the ground since the conflict began, helping to mobilize the largest humanitarian operation in history and working closely with partners to provide education, physical protection, psychological support and clothing to Syrian refugee children in Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and other countries; immunize children against disease; and provide millions of people with access to safe drinking water.”
The conflict in Syria has reportedly claimed more than 220,000 lives and triggered a massive exodus to neighboring countries. More than four million people have fled. We have reached nearly half a million refugees in Lebanon and Jordan with lifesaving essentials and helped an estimated one million people inside Syria get access to clean water.
Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. “Mercy Corps helps people turn the crises they confront into the opportunities they deserve. Driven by local needs, our programs provide communities in the world’s toughest places with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Our worldwide team in 42 countries is improving the lives of 19 million people. Our strategy: to support Syrian families who’ve been displaced by ongoing conflict. Meet immediate needs for food, water and shelter while focusing especially on the longer-term emotional and developmental needs of traumatized children and adolescents.”
“Founded in 1946, Church World Service works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. CWS meets disaster relief and recovery needs, facilitates sustainable social and economic development, provides assistance and resettlement services to refugees and helps address the root causes of hunger. A cooperative ministry of 36 Christian denominations and communions, CWS sponsors community-wide CROP Hunger Walks across the U.S. to raise awareness and fund to help end hunger locally and globally.”
Do you have an charity you’d like to add to the list?
(image via Scout blog)
Wonderful post 🙂 you have such a great blog!
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Such a great post! I hope you have a lovely day.
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Thank you for this thoughtful list and post.